Brad

Ausmus

Ausmus joins Yankees manager Aaron Boone’s staff after spending the last two years in the Athletics’ organization split between a bench coach and front office role. the 54-year-old former big leaguer lasted one season as Angels manager back in 2019 and also had a four-year stint at the helm for the Tigers from 2014-2017.

“The last few weeks are when I try to work him in anyway,” manager Phil Garner said. “It’s not critical that he has to play right now. That’s why that’s not such a big concern. If we get down to March 15 and he’s still a little tender, I’ll get concerned.”

Ausmus declined to interview for the Mets’ opening when the job went to Mickey Callaway, preferring other managerial posts. The Connecticut native would probably be more receptive this time around, though. The Mets still need to hire a president of baseball operations first, so any rumors of possible manager candidates should be taken with a grain of salt.

Ausmus missed some time with a concussion.

The Padres like the idea of teaming Ausmus, 32, and Gary Bennett. Both catchers are known for leadership, game calling, and developing young pitchers.

Ausmus had hoped to agree to a contract before leaving on a four-day vacation. Since the Padres are expected to trade for Ramon Hernandez, it appears very likely that Ausmus will remain a member of the Astros.

Well, Ausmus has matched his 2004 total of 31 RBI in 39 fewer games. Still, he’s slugging just .298. He has 10 doubles and one home run in 255 at-bats.

Manager Phil Garner apparently isn’t taking things very seriously. Eric Bruntlett was in center field at the time and could have moved to shortstop with Lance Berkman going to the outfield. Ausmus didn’t have a ball hit to him in his inning at shortstop, but he did turn a double play.

All indications are that the job will go to Joe Maddon, but in case that suddenly falls through, the Angels have lined up a number of other candidates. Buck Showalter is among them. Farrell won a World Series with the Red Sox in 2013, after spending two years at the helm of the Blue Jays. His career record as a manager is 586-548.

Maddon interviewed on Monday, so it sounds like an announcement could be coming soon. Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic reported previously that the Angels have three other interviews planned after Maddon. However, it’s been no secret that Maddon has been the favorite to get the job since the beginning, so him returning to where he coached for 31 years seems like an inevitability.